Georgia’s “Hands Free” driving law went into effect on July 1, 2018. It’s a complicated rule, but it is having a positive impact, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that most drivers in the Atlanta area appear to be complying with the law.

Precisely what does the Hands Free driving statute provide? What are the penalties if someone is convicted of violating the law? Let our Atlanta car accident lawyers explain.

WHAT DOES THE HANDS FREE LAW SAY?

The Hands Free statute has a number of provisions, including:

A driver may not have a phone in hand or use any part of the body to support a phone.

Drivers may only make or receive calls with an earpiece, speakerphone, wireless headphone, a phone connected to the vehicle, or an electronic watch. GPS navigation devices are still allowed.

Earpieces and headphones may be used only for communication – and not for music or other entertainment.

A driver may not send or read a text-based communication unless that driver uses a voice-based communication system that converts voice messages to text.

Drivers may not send, read, or write text messages, e-mails, social media posts, or internet content.

A driver may watch video only for navigation purposes and may not record video (with the exception of a continuously-running dashcam).

Music streaming apps may be used if a driver activates and programs the apps while parked.

Drivers may not use phones to control music apps while driving. Music streaming apps that include video are not allowed. Drivers may, however, hear and program music streaming apps that are controlled through the vehicle’s radio.

WHAT ARE THE EXCEPTIONS TO THE HANDS FREE LAW?

The Hands Free law does not apply to the following devices, and they may be used by drivers while driving:

radios that are installed in a vehicle

citizens band radios and citizens band radio hybrids

commercial two-way radio communication devices or their functional equivalents

subscription-based emergency communication devices

prescribed medical devices

ham or amateur radio devices

in-vehicle navigation, security, or remote diagnostics systems

Additionally, exceptions to the Hands Free law are made for these circumstances:

to report a traffic collision, a fire, a medical emergency, criminal activity, or hazardous road conditions

an employee or a contractor of a utility service provider acting within the scope of his or her job duties in response to a utility emergency

a first responder (meaning police, fire, or EMS) during the performance of official duties

when a driver is in a lawfully parked vehicle, which does not include vehicles that have stopped for traffic signals or stop signs

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING THE HANDS FREE LAW?

A first conviction for violating the Hands Free law can mean a $50 fine and one point on the offender’s driver’s license. Second convictions may be penalized with a $100 fine and two points. Third and subsequent convictions may be penalized with a $150 fine and three points.

HOW MANY GEORGIA DRIVERS ARE OBEYING THE HANDS FREE LAW?

According to a research survey of 702 Georgia drivers conducted by the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs and published in January 2019 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the vast majority of motorists in Georgia say that they usually obey the law.

While 45 percent of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution survey’s respondents said that they obey the law at all times, an additional 40 percent said that they obey the Hands Free law “most of the time.”

State Representative John Carson (R-Marietta), who sponsored the legislation, told the Journal-Constitution, “It’s going to take a culture change. It’s going to take enforcement.”

WHY WAS THE HANDS FREE LAW NEEDED?

The Hands-Free Georgia Act was passed by the state’s lawmakers in response to rising fatality numbers on Georgia’s streets and highways. Traffic deaths increased by one-third from 2014 to 2016. In 2017, traffic accidents in Georgia resulted in 1,549 fatalities.

Safety experts say that the law was needed because distracted driving was becoming a leading cause of highway deaths and injuries. Cellphones, the safety experts say, were distracting us to death.

Prior to the Hands Free law, adult drivers could hold a phone to talk but not to text. Police found that the law was tough to enforce – they sometimes couldn’t tell if someone was talking or texting. Now, with narrow exceptions, if you’re holding a phone, you’re breaking the law.

HOW MANY CELLPHONE-RELATED CITATIONS WERE ISSUED IN 2018?

The Georgia State Patrol issued 8,389 citations for cellphone-related offenses in the second half of 2018. Preliminary figures indicate that traffic deaths were down by about seven percent last year.

Nevertheless, more than eight percent of the Journal-Constitution survey’s respondents said that they “seldom” obey the Hands Free law, and more than four percent said that they “never” obey it.

What are your rights if you are injured by a driver who is violating the Hands-Free Georgia Act? Anyone in Georgia who is injured by a negligent driver is entitled under Georgia state law to full compensation for injury-related medical costs, lost wages, and all related losses and damages.

Being “entitled,” however, doesn’t mean that compensation is simply handed to you. In some cases, you’ll have to prove that you were injured by negligence and are entitled to compensation, and you’ll need the advice and services of an experienced Atlanta auto collision attorney.

HOW CAN A AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYER HELP YOU?

Contact an injury attorney immediately if you are injured in any accident with a negligent driver – or if you’re not sure whether negligence was involved. Your lawyer will investigate the accident, determine who was liable, and recommend the best way for you to move forward.

In some cases, the best way to move forward will be filing a personal injury claim. Most personal injury matters in Georgia are settled privately and out-of-court, so most injured victims of negligence do not even have to make a court appearance.

If your claim cannot be settled privately – and again, this is rare – your attorney may recommend taking your case to trial and asking a jury to order the payment of the compensation you seek. A good Atlanta car accident attorney will fight aggressively for the justice you deserve.

If you are injured by a negligent driver, a good attorney’s help is your right, but you’ll need to exercise that right and contact an attorney immediately. Your health and your future could depend on it.

The new year is already more than a month old, which means that the new Georgia state laws that were passed in 2018 have now gone into effect. Will any of those laws affect you personally – or your family? Can a Toccoa personal injury lawyer help?

Some of the new laws are only amendments to existing laws, and most people won’t be affected. But some of the new laws will impact everyone in the state, and you’ll need to know about them.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE NEW LAWS IN GEORGIA?

Several of the new laws in this state are symbolic, but they are symbolic in important ways. Senate Resolution 685, for example, renames a tidewater bed on the Georgia coast that has long been known as “Runaway Negro Creek.” It will now be called “Freedom Creek.”

House Resolution 279 officially designates each March 21st in Georgia as “Single Parents Day.” And House Bill 419 modifies the times that fireworks may be set off in Georgia unless the law is in conflict with a pre-existing county or municipal noise ordinance.

WHAT IS THE “STRAW MAN” GUN LAW?

House Bill 657 makes it a felony in Georgia to act as a “straw man” gun buyer, that is, knowingly to purchase a firearm for someone who is a convicted felon. It’s a crime that was previously a misdemeanor in this state.

House Bill 79 regulates the way that your license plate data can be used. It allows law enforcement agencies to collect license plate data, store it for no more than thirty months, and access that data for law enforcement purposes – only.

Obtaining that information under false pretenses or misusing such information is now a misdemeanor in this state.

HOW WAS “AVA’S LAW” AMENDED?

Senate Bill 118 is an amendment to “Ava’s Law,” which was first adopted in Georgia in 2015. Ava’s Law originally guaranteed $30,000 of insurance coverage per year exclusively for children under the age of six who require treatment specifically for autism spectrum disorders.

Senate Bill 118 expands this coverage, and Ava’s Law now covers children in Georgia up to twelve years of age. Insurance companies in Georgia are required to provide the coverage when it is deemed medically necessary by a licensed medical doctor or psychologist.

Ava’s Law is named for Ava Bullard of Lyons, Georgia. As an infant, Ava was diagnosed with autism, and her parents were told that she would never speak. Nevertheless, thanks to early, comprehensive treatment, Ava loves to talk and is now a very healthy, active young person.

WHAT DOES “MARSY’S LAW” PROVIDE?

Marsy’s Law, an amendment to Georgia’s state constitution, was approved in 2018 by more than eighty percent of this state’s voters.

The amendment creates a victim’s bill of rights. It requires the courts in this state to notify crime victims or their families before the person who is accused of victimizing them appears in court.

Marsy’s Law gives the victims of violent crimes, and their families the right to address the court before the offender who victimized them is sentenced, released, or enters a plea.

The law is named for California college student Marsy Nicholas, who in 1983 was murdered by an ex-boyfriend. Only a week after the murder, Marsy’s mother and brother had a chance encounter with the killer at a local supermarket. No one told them he had bonded out of jail.

ARE THERE NEW TAX LAWS IN GEORGIA?

If you shop online, pay attention: Georgia’s lawmakers are serious about collecting sales taxes on products sold over the internet. Beginning in 2019, you’ll have to pay a sales tax in Georgia for almost every item that you purchase through the internet.

Online retailers who make at least 200 sales in this state or $250,000 in sales must collect and remit sales tax, or they must notify consumers who spend over $500 – and tell them to pay up.

In 2018, lawmakers approved a cut to the top rate of state income tax from 6 percent to 5.75 percent. The reduction also applies to the state’s corporate income tax rate. And the standard deduction for individuals and married couples who file together is now a maximum of $6,000.

DO ANY OF THE NEW LAWS IMPACT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS?

The laws in Georgia change every year. That’s why, when you need an attorney’s advice or representation for any reason, you must select an attorney who works diligently to stay abreast of new laws, new court rulings, and other important current legal developments.

And while the laws change every year, your rights do not. If you’re charged with a crime, you have the right to remain silent, the right to have an attorney represent you, and the right to a speedy trial by a jury of your peers.

If you are injured by another person’s carelessness or negligence in Georgia, you have the right to seek reimbursement from that person for your medical costs, your lost wages, your personal pain and suffering, and all of your other accident-and-injury-related losses and damages.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SPEAK TO A PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM IN GA?

If you’ve been injured by another party’s negligence in Georgia, in a traffic accident, a workplace accident, or if you’ve been injured by a defective consumer product, you’ll need to speak – as quickly as possible – with an experienced Toccoa personal injury attorney.

Georgia’s statute of limitations gives the injured victims of negligence two years to file a personal injury or product liability lawsuit, but if you can’t work because you’re injured, and the medical bills are piling up, you cannot wait two years. You must speak to an attorney at once.

WHAT IS THE COST OF JUSTICE?

How can you pay for an attorney if you’re not working and the debts are mounting?

An experienced Alpharetta personal injury attorney will provide an injured victim of negligence with a free first consultation, so it costs nothing to learn how the law applies in your own circumstances.

If you and your attorney move forward with legal action, you will pay no attorney’s fee until compensation is recovered on your behalf. By working on this contingent fee basis, accident attorneys provide a way for every victim of negligence to have a day in court.

You may not need an attorney’s help in 2019, but if you do, your future, your health and well-being, and even your freedom may be at stake. If you need an attorney’s help for any reason, seek that help immediately. That is your right.

As wrongful death lawyers, we know that nothing is more shattering than unexpectedly and abruptly losing a loved one because another driver was negligent or reckless. When a negligent or reckless driver gets behind the wheel, a tragic wrongful death is likely to happen.

How is the term “wrongful death” legally defined? In Georgia, if someone dies in a crash because another driver was negligent, do the surviving family members have legal recourse?

Of course, no sum of money can make up for the tragic, sudden loss of a beloved family member in a traffic accident. Nevertheless, a wrongful death action can help surviving family members avoid any financial hardship that otherwise may arise after the unexpected loss of a loved one.

No one expects to be in a fatal traffic accident, but in 2017, more than 1,500 people were killed in accidents on Georgia’s streets and highways. You are about to learn what everyone needs to know regarding wrongful death, liability, and Georgia state law.

WHEN IS A DEATH CONSIDERED WRONGFUL?

When a reckless or negligent driver accidentally causes a fatality – even if the driver has no premeditation or intention to kill anyone – the fatality is considered a wrongful death.

The negligent or reckless driver can be held legally accountable when surviving family members seek monetary compensation in the civil courts with a wrongful death lawsuit.

While the criminal courts may impose fines and jail time, a wrongful death victim’s survivors can be compensated only through a wrongful death claim.

If you lose a loved one suddenly and accidentally, although it will be difficult in a time of grief, it will be imperative to have the counsel of a reliable and experienced Atlanta wrongful death attorney. The survivors of a wrongful death need top-quality, aggressive legal representation.

WHO MAY PURSUE A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM?

Exactly which family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim? The specific rules governing wrongful death are different in every state. Who has the standing to file a wrongful death claim in Georgia?

If a wrongful death victim was married at the time of death, only the spouse may initiate a wrongful death lawsuit.

If a wrongful death victim was not married at the time of death, the right to take legal action falls to the victim’s children.

If a wrongful death victim had no children or spouse, the right to sue for wrongful death falls to the victim’s living parents.

If a wrongful death victim had no children, spouse, or living parents, the right to take legal action then falls to the administrator of the wrongful death victim’s estate.

Additionally, the law in Georgia provides that a surviving spouse will receive at least one-third of the damages awarded in a wrongful death case without regard to the number of children who must divide the remaining amount.

HOW DOES GEORGIA LAW DEFINE NEGLIGENCE IN THESE CASES?

Georgia defines “wrongful” deaths as deaths caused by another party’s reckless, negligent, or intentional acts. The law defines “negligence” in traffic collisions as a breach of the “duty of care” to drive with the reasonable care and caution that drivers owe to others on the road.

Georgia provides for two different types of claims subsequent to a wrongful death. A wrongful death victim’s estate may seek to recover death-related losses such as final medical expenses, burial and funeral costs, and compensation for a victim’s pain and suffering before death.

WHAT CAN SURVIVORS EXPECT IN A WRONGFUL DEATH CASE?

But when surviving family members pursue a wrongful death claim, they may also seek compensation for the “intangible value” of their loved one’s life, including:

lost income and benefits, including the victim’s projected earning capacity
loss of companionship, consortium, and other “intangibles”

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO SUCCEED WITH A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM?

Legally, a wrongful death claim is handled similarly to a personal injury claim. The plaintiffs – that is, the survivors pursuing the claim – must prove the same “elements” of the case that personal injury plaintiffs must prove in their cases:

The defendant (the party purportedly at-fault for the wrongful death) had a “duty of care” to the wrongful death victim.

That duty of care was breached by the defendant’s negligent or reckless behavior.

The negligent or reckless behavior was a direct cause of the wrongful death.

The family’s losses are quantifiable, and the defendant should pay the family that amount.

IS THERE A TIME LIMIT FOR FILING A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM?

How much time do a wrongful death victim’s survivors have to launch a wrongful death case?

Georgia’s statute of limitations in most wrongful death cases is two years, but in several narrowly defined circumstances, the two-year period may be paused or “tolled.”

For example, if the negligent driver responsible for a wrongful death is prosecuted for driving under the influence, the statute of limitations “clock” can be paused until the criminal prosecution is concluded.

Your grief may be overwhelming if you unexpectedly lose a person you love. You already know that money will not assuage your pain, but your family’s future after a family member’s wrongful death must be considered.

WHAT WILL IT COST SURVIVING FAMILY MEMBERS TO SEEK JUSTICE?

Families who have lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence or recklessness have every right in this state to file a wrongful death claim with the help of a reliable and qualified wrongful death lawyer.

What will it cost your family to seek justice? Georgia’s wrongful death attorneys provide surviving family members with a free, no-obligation first legal consultation, so it costs nothing to learn more about your family’s rights and how the law applies to your family’s own situation.

If you take legal action, you will pay no lawyer’s fee until your lawyer recovers compensation on your family’s behalf. By working on a contingent fee basis, wrongful death lawyers can help every family victimized by wrongful death seek the justice they need and deserve.

A skilled wrongful death lawyer can be sensitive to the emotions of surviving family members while simultaneously being aggressive on their behalf to obtain the compensation and justice they need and deserve.

It will be difficult to handle dealing with legal issues and emotional grief simultaneously, but you must let an experienced Atlanta wrongful death attorney advise and represent your family after a beloved family member’s wrongful death. Your loved ones have that right.

If you have been injured by another person’s negligence in Georgia – in a traffic crash or in any other accident scenario – you might very quickly find yourself in a financial jam.

As a car accident law firm, we know that in Georgia, the injured victims of negligence have a legal right to full compensation for their accident-related medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. However, that compensation is neither instant nor automatic.

To obtain it, you will have to prove that you were injured by negligence and that you qualify for compensation. That can sometimes take months – and even longer if your claim is disputed and your case becomes a personal injury trial.

CAN YOU MEET YOUR OBLIGATIONS WHILE YOUR INJURY CASE IS PENDING?

Moreover, if you are unable to work because you’ve been injured, the bills can pile up fast. What can you do to meet your obligations while your injury claim is pending?

When faced with mounting medical expenses and no income, some of the injured victims of negligence are choosing to take out a “lawsuit loan” against the amount they expect to receive from their lawsuits.

What exactly is a lawsuit loan? A lawsuit funding company in effect purchases your right to all or part of your verdict or settlement. In return, you receive an advance while your claim is pending.

IS A LAWSUIT LOAN REALLY A GOOD IDEA?

A lawsuit loan may not always be a wise idea. After reading what follows, you will have to decide that answer for yourself in your own situation. You are about to learn both the pros and cons of lawsuit loans and the lenders who offer them.

Unless you have absolutely no other choice at all, you probably should not borrow from a lawsuit loan operation. Why? Fox Business News tells us that some borrowers pay an annual interest rate – or what the lenders call a “fee” – exceeding 100 percent of the loan.

When this happens, and a victim of negligence wins or settles an injury claim, that injury victim may already owe every cent of the verdict or settlement to a lawsuit lender.

WHY ARE LAWSUIT LOAN INTEREST RATES SO HIGH?

The lenders explain that the interest rates are high due to the risk; if the borrower fails to obtain a settlement or win a jury verdict, no repayment is required.

When someone applies for a lawsuit loan, the lender reviews that person’s personal injury claim, and if the lender is convinced that the claim will prevail, the loan is approved.

Most lenders who offer lawsuit loans charge from two to four percent interest, but here’s the catch; that interest is compounded monthly, not yearly. If your case remains pending for two years, a $1,000 loan at four percent monthly interest winds up costing you over $2,500.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OR THE “PROS” OF A LAWSUIT LOAN?

1. As mentioned previously, you only repay a lawsuit loan if your lawsuit prevails.

2. A lawsuit loan really can provide the financial “breathing space” you need to cover medical bills, living expenses, and your other obligations while your lawsuit is pending.

3. By relieving financial stress, a lawsuit loan can give you more time to achieve a better settlement. If a fair settlement is not offered in out-of-court negotiations, a lawsuit loan may give you the financial ability and enough time to take the case to trial.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OR THE “CONS” OF A LAWSUIT LOAN?

High interest rates are the leading reason for avoiding a lawsuit loan. Some personal injury cases take months or even years to resolve. Interest rates for a lawsuit loan can run as high as sixty percent a year.

For example, the interest on $25,000 can cost you $12,500 or more in one year. If a case takes two years to resolve, you’ll pay back $32,000 – in addition to the actual $25,000 that you borrowed.

Lenders who offer lawsuit loans are taking a considerable risk. They only approve lawsuit loans if they are persuaded that the borrower will win a settlement or verdict. Personal injury victims may apply to five or six different lenders before finding one that will approve a lawsuit loan.

WHAT CAN LENDERS CHARGE FOR LAWSUIT LOANS?

There are almost no restrictions on how much lenders can charge for lawsuit loans or what they can say in their advertising. One lender may market the product as a “loan” while another lender calls it an “advance.”

If you must have cash while your personal injury case is pending, consider the alternatives to a lawsuit loan: insurance proceeds, disability payments, or even a personal loan from a friend or a relative. Your own bank or credit union might be able to make an installment loan available.

If you must have a lawsuit loan, make absolutely certain that your lender fully discloses the conditions and terms and that you completely understand what you’re signing.

Before you apply for a lawsuit loan, and before you consent to sign anything, discuss your options with your personal injury lawyer.

HOW CAN A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER HELP?

In this state, if you have been injured by someone else’s negligence, as soon as you’ve been treated by a medical professional, take your case to an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney.

Most of the personal injury lawyers in Georgia offer the injured victims of negligence a free first legal consultation, so it will cost you nothing to learn more about your case, your rights, and your options.

If you choose to take legal action, Georgia’s personal injury lawyers work on a contingent fee basis, so you will pay no attorney’s fee until and unless an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney obtains a settlement or verdict on your behalf.

WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS AS AN INJURED VICTIM OF NEGLIGENCE?

Under Georgia law, the injured victims of negligence are entitled to complete compensation for their accident-related medical expenses, including future medical expenses, lost wages and lost earnings capacity, personal pain and suffering, and all related losses and damages.

However, to obtain the compensation that you’ll need after you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence, you will have to prove that you’ve been injured, and you’ll have to prove that another person’s negligence is the reason why.

You’ll need a good personal injury lawyer’s help, and you’ll need that assistance immediately. If you have been injured by negligence in the state of Georgia, a good lawyer’s help is your right.

Aleigha Duvall was a precious 5-year old girl who stole the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her. “She would always give you a hug every day. She would tell you she loved you,” said Aleigha’s kindergarten teacher, Jackie Frey.

Claudia campaigned to change safety laws, however, studies show that most costumes are still a fire hazard, as they are classified as a “toy” rather than a true article of clothing. Be aware of this when your child is around bonfires, Halloween decorations involving an open flame, candles, and even your own fireplace.

2. Do not underestimate the danger of chokeable candy.

Choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional death in children under the age of 5. Guess which holiday amplifies this statistic? Bingo. Halloween. Always supervise what your child is putting into his or her mouth.

When you’re out and about, take it upon yourself to look out for unsupervised children who are showing signs of choking. When you put out a bowl of candy, avoid including hard candy that cannot be chewed.

If your spouse is the Vice President of Jolly Ranchers and passing out hard candy is your jam, then please compromise by not giving it to children under the age of 5. Finally, NEVER let kids run, play sports, or ride in the car with gum, candy, or lollipops in their mouths.

In the event that you do witness a child choking, it is recommended to perform the Heimlich Maneuver.

Here is a great demonstration video instructing how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver:

3. Be a defensive pedestrian

Determined to make some good come out of Aleigha’s death, her mother strongly campaigned for the widespread use of reflective tape on Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat bags. It can be purchased at Walmart and most automotive part stores. If you don’t have time to go grab a roll, order it today on Amazon to ensure it comes in time for Halloween.

Since you most likely won’t use the whole roll, spread the word to your neighbors who might be interested in using it as well. You never know whose life it could save.

Furthermore, never assume that an approaching car can see you, even if you’re on a sidewalk. Teach your children to be defensive pedestrians in the case of a drunk driver or an out-of-control vehicle. This one easy parenting decision could save your child’s life. Don’t risk it.

4. If you must drive on Halloween, be extremely cautious of drunk drivers.

Here are some frightening statistics regarding car accidents on Halloween:

● 44% of national fatal crashes during Halloween weekend involved a driver or motorcyclist with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
● 38% of fatal crashes that occurred on Halloween night involved a driver or motorcyclist with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
● 23% of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween night included a drunk driver.

If you or a family member are injured by a car accident or any other preventable hazard during the Halloween season, then you may have legal recourse against any at-fault parties. Call The Angell Law Firm and mention this article to receive a free consultation: (770) 217-4954. You don’t pay unless our law firm wins.

5. Share this post and save a life.

Knowledge is the best defense. Share this information to your social media channels and email list so your friends will be reminded to preserve the magic of Halloween without risking more than a stomach ache.

If you are injured in a vehicle collision here in Georgia because another motorist was careless, intoxicated, negligent, or distracted, it’s imperative to seek legal help immediately from an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney.

Your accident attorney will help you submit an injury claim against the at-fault motorist’s automobile insurance company, and that company should reimburse you for your medical costs and lost wages.

The majority of personal injuries in Georgia traffic crashes are compensated routinely and straightforwardly, and no one has to appear in a courtroom. In most cases, your attorney will meet the other side’s attorney privately and negotiate a settlement that is acceptable to all parties.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF A TRAFFIC COLLISION INVOLVES UBER?

If you’re injured in a collision while you are a passenger with Uber, or if the other vehicle in a collision is an Uber vehicle, your case can get legally complicated quite quickly.

If you are injured in an accident with an Uber vehicle – or while you are an Uber passenger – take your case at once to a personal injury attorney. You are very much going to need a good injury lawyer’s advice and representation.

Uber was founded in 2009, launching the global rideshare industry. In 2016, Uber reported gross revenue of $20 billion. More than 160,000 drivers are active with Uber.

WHAT QUESTIONS ARISE WHEN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVOLVES UBER?

Many consumers in Georgia now use Uber – and some people use it exclusively – so it’s good to know what protections are provided to Uber passengers and those who are injured in accidents with Uber vehicles.

When any accident that involves an Uber vehicle happens, these questions arise:

1. What coverage applied to the Uber vehicle when the accident happened?
2. Was the driver working and on-duty for Uber at the time of the accident?

HOW DOES INSURANCE COVERAGE WORK FOR AN UBER VEHICLE?

The insurance coverage for an Uber vehicle hinges on the status of that vehicle at the time of the accident:

1. While carrying a passenger or en route to a passenger, an Uber vehicle carries $1 million in commercial liability coverage and another $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

2. If an Uber vehicle has no passenger but the driver is on-duty and waiting to be dispatched to a passenger, the Uber vehicle’s coverage is $50,000 for bodily injury; $100,000 for bodily injury to multiple persons in one accident; and $30,000 for property damage.

3. Because Uber drivers use their own vehicles, if an Uber driver is not on-duty when an accident occurs, that driver’s own automobile insurance policy provides the only coverage.

AFTER AN UBER ACCIDENT, WHEN SHOULD YOU CONTACT AN ATTORNEY?

Uber is a huge global business. Like every business, it wants to protect profits, so Uber is likely to dispute personal injury claims made against the company and its drivers. This can make recovering compensation quite a challenge if you are injured by a negligent Uber driver.

You’ll clearly need a good personal injury attorney’s help from the very beginning. Have your injuries examined and treated by a doctor or by another professional healthcare provider, and then contact a good Georgia personal injury lawyer at once.

Even if Uber’s insurance “covers” you, the insurance company offering that coverage is like any other auto insurance operation. The company is likely to make a first settlement offer that’s far below the actual value of your personal injury claim. It’s an offer that you will need to reject.

If you accept the first settlement offer, you will also be waiving your right to take any additional legal action or to seek any additional compensation.

WHY IS RETAINING AN ATTORNEY QUICKLY SO IMPORTANT?

If you’re injured in an accident with an Uber vehicle – or as a passenger – retain a personal injury lawyer at once so that he or she may handle all of the negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. When the company contacts you, refer the company to your attorney.

An injury lawyer is a trained and experienced negotiator who routinely handles negotiations for the injured victims of negligence. Your lawyer will know what it takes to acquire the compensation you need.

Most personal injury cases in Georgia are settled out of court when the attorneys for both sides meet in private negotiations.

It’s rare when a personal injury case arising from a traffic collision goes to trial, but a trial is more likely when a commercial vehicle – and a company concerned with profits – is involved.

AFTER AN UBER CRASH, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AT THE ACCIDENT SCENE?

If you’re injured in any collision involving an Uber vehicle, call for medical assistance at once, and then call the police. Gather as many details as you can from the driver or drivers involved – personal contact details and insurance company contact details.

Take as many photos as you can of the accident site, the damages to the vehicles, and your own injuries. If eyewitnesses saw the crash, try to get their personal contact information too.

After a severe traffic injury, take action immediately. Georgia’s statute of limitations in personal injury cases arising from traffic accidents is two years from the date of the injury.

But you cannot wait two years to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your rights and options. Evidence can deteriorate, and the memories of witnesses can fade quickly. You’ll need to reach out for legal help right away.

WHAT WILL JUSTICE COST?

If you’re injured by a negligent Uber driver or by any negligent driver, it costs nothing to learn more about your rights. Injured victims of negligence may arrange a free first legal consultation with an accident attorney– with no obligation – to learn how the law applies to your own case.

If you and your attorney choose to move forward with legal action, you’ll pay no attorney’s fee until – and unless – your attorney recovers the compensation you need and deserve.

As mentioned previously, most personal injury matters in Georgia are settled outside of the courtroom, but if no agreement can be reached privately, your injury attorney will take your case to trial and ask a jury to award you the compensation that is rightfully yours.

If you are injured in an accident involving an Uber vehicle, do not let the name or size of the company intimidate you. If you are a victim of negligence in the state of Georgia, the law is on your side, and a good lawyer’s help is your right.

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I had the opportunity to work with the Angell law firm. The firm was great, they returned all my phone calls within a timely manner and answered all my question. Best customer service and they made me feel like i was family....Jeffrey handled my case and he was totally awesome.

Marlo Harris

I cannot emphasize how happy I am with this Law Firm. There are remarkably professional, especially Valerie who's customer service skills are second to none. She keeps you up to date on the status of your case and takes her time explaining in detail any questions you may have with an exceptionally professional caring demeanor. She is an incredible asset to this firm as well as Hayden who likewise provides the same level of service and will walk you through the legal process step by step answering all questions. Bryce's professionalism Is also beyond extraordinary and it's distinctly apparent he takes pride in his firm and hires only the best.

Francesco Gagliano

"My experience at The Angell Law Firm was a excellent experience. Everyone there was willing to help me no matter how many questions I had. I was able to call them and I always spoke to someone or got a call back. I would recommend anyone in need of a accident attorney to contact The Angell Law Firm they will treat you right and get you your money. Thanks Angell Law Firm."